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Mayo eligible, will be in uniform Saturday

It is just a coincidence that reserve sophomore guard Todd Mayo is rejoining the team after Marquette scored 47 points Wednesday night in a loss at UW-Green Bay.

But his return probably can’t hurt.

Ineligible for the first 10 games because he was academically ineligible, Mayo was cleared Thursday after coach Buzz Williams met with Mayo’s family.

Mayo will be in uniform Saturday against LSU. Whether he plays is uncertain because he was not allowed to practice or use university workout facilities during his suspension.

Williams knew earlier in the week that Mayo’s grades were good enough for NCAA reinstatement, but the coach wanted to explain the situation in a face-to-face meeting with his family.

“He is eligible, but I wanted his family to understand exactly where he is with all his academics,” Williams said.

With a relatively new athletic director and president following problems within the athletic department, Marquette is running a tighter ship for student-athlete behavior and academics.

Mayo averaged 7.9 points in 21.1 minutes a game as a freshman. He played well in non-conference games but wasn’t much of a factor against the Big East. But he shoots relatively well – 41.9% overall and 33.3% on three pointers last season - something the Golden Eagles have not done consistently this season.

Other than academics, Mayo had problems fitting in last season. Williams sent him home during the summer to think about whether he wanted to be a part of the team anymore.

Upon his return, Mayo said he did not develop a relationship with Williams last because he was closer to the assistants who recruited him. Two of Williams’ assistants left after last season and one was fired for an NCAA infraction.

At the time, Mayo said he had grown closer to Williams and vowed to be a better teammate. He performed well during training camp and in scrimmages, but was declared academically ineligible before the season began.

Marquette’s 47 points against UWGB were a season low. When Mayo joins the rotation, he’ll likely come off the bench behind Vander Blue and be on the floor with Blue in certain matchups.

About Michael Hunt

Michael Hunt is a former sports columnist and reporter for the Journal Sentinel.